This is indeed a joyous night. Although not yet final, we have received
the provisional results of the election, and a delighted by the
overwhelming support for the African National Congress.

To all those in the African National Congress and the democratic
movement who worked so hard these last few days and through these many
decades, I thank you and honour you. To the people of South Africa and
the world who are watching: this a joyous night for the human spirit.
This is your victory too. You helped end apartheid, you stood with us
through the transition.

I watched, along with all of you, as the tens of thousands of our people
stood patiently in long queues for many hours. Some sleeping on the open
ground overnight waiting to cast this momentous vote.

South Africa's heroes are legend across the generations. But it is you,
the people, who are our true heroes.

This is one of the most important moments in the life of our country. I
stand here before you filled with deep pride an joy: - pride in the
ordinary, humble people of this country. You have shown such a calm,
patient determination to rectal this country as your own.

- and joy that we can loudly proclaim from the rooftops - free at last!

I stand before you humbled by your courage, with a heart full of love
for all of you. I regard it as the highest honour to lead the ANC at
this moment in our history, and that we have been chosen to lead our
country into the new century.

I pledge to use all my strength and ability to live up to your
expectations of me as well as of the ANC.

I am personally indebted and pay tribute to some of South Africa's
greatest leaders including John Dube, Josiah Gumede GM Naicker, Dr
Abduraman, Chief Luthuli, Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Yusuf Dadoo,
Moses Kotane, Chris Hani an Oliver Tambo. They should have been here to
celebrate with us, for this is their achievement too.

Tomorrow, the entire ANC leadership and I will be back at our desks. We
are rolling up our sleeves to begin tackling the problems our country
faces. We ask you all to join us - go back to your jobs in the morning.
Let's get South Africa working.

For we must, together and without delay, begin to build a better life
for all South Africans. This means creating jobs building houses,
providing education and bringing peace and security for all.

The calm and tolerant atmosphere that prevailed during the elections
depicts the type of South Africa we can build. It set the tone for the
future. We might have our differences, but we are one people with a
common destiny in our rich variety of culture, race and tradition.

People have voted for the party of their choice and we respect that.
This is democracy.

I hold out a hand of friendship to the leaders of all parties and their
members, and ask all of them to join us in working together to tackle
the problems we face as a nation. An ANC government will serve all the
people of South Africa, not just ANC members.

We also commend the security forces for the sterling work done. This has
laid a solid foundation for a truly professional security force,
committed to the service of the people and loyalty to the new
constitution.

Now is the time for celebration, for South Africans to join together to
celebrate the birth of democracy. I raise a glass to you all for working
so hard to achieve what can only be called a small miracle. Let our
celebrations be in keeping with the mood set in the elections, peaceful,
respectful and disciplined, showing we are a people ready to assume the
responsibilities of government.

I promise that I will do my best to be worthy of the faith and
confidence you have placed in me and my organisation, the African
National Congress. Let us build the future together, and toast a better
life for all South Africans.